Emaciated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😔

Add to dictionary

emaciated

[ɪˈmeɪsiˌeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

description of appearance

Abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or lack of food.

Synonyms

gaunt, scrawny, skeletal, thin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emaciated	This word is often used to describe someone who has lost a lot of weight due to illness or severe lack of nourishment. It carries a strong negative connotation and suggests a serious degree of undernourishment. The refugees appeared emaciated after spending weeks without proper food. His emaciated frame was evident even through his clothing.
thin	A more neutral term used to describe someone or something with little body fat or bulk. It doesn't carry the same negative connotations as the other words. She looked thin after her diet, but healthy. The designer cut the cloth into thin strips.
gaunt	Used to describe someone who looks unnaturally thin, often with a focus on the person's face, suggesting weariness or suffering. It carries a somewhat negative connotation. After months of trekking through the wilderness, he appeared gaunt and exhausted. Her gaunt cheeks and hollow eyes indicated long-term hardship.
skeletal	Used to describe someone who is extremely thin, to the point of resembling a skeleton. It has a very negative connotation and suggests extreme malnourishment. The skeletal figure of the old man was a heartbreaking sight. Her skeletal appearance shocked everyone at the reunion.
scrawny	Usually refers to someone or something that is thin in a way that seems underdeveloped or weak. It's often used to describe children, animals, or plants, and carries a more negative and sometimes judgmental tone. The scrawny cat meowed pitifully at the door. He was a scrawny kid before he started lifting weights.

Examples of usage

She looked emaciated after weeks of being lost in the wilderness.
The emaciated dog was rescued from the streets and given proper care.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

medical context

Showing the effects of not eating enough food for a long period of time, usually as a result of an illness.

Synonyms

malnourished, undernourished, wasted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emaciated	This word is often used to describe someone who is extremely thin and weak due to severe illness or lack of food. It usually implies a very serious condition. The refugees were emaciated after weeks without enough food. The stray dog looked emaciated and needed immediate care.
wasted	This word describes someone who is extremely thin and weak, often used medically to refer to severe muscle and tissue loss due to illness. It has a strong negative connotation. The doctor was worried about the wasted appearance of the elderly patient. His body was wasted from months of fighting the disease.
undernourished	Similar to 'malnourished,' this word is used to indicate someone who hasn't had enough food or nutrients. It is a more general term and can apply to less severe conditions as well. Many undernourished people in urban areas suffer from food insecurity. The undernourished plants needed more fertilizer and water.
malnourished	This word describes someone who has received insufficient nutrition over a period of time. It can be due to poor diet, health problems, or lack of food access. The charity organization helps malnourished children in developing countries. The patient was malnourished due to a prolonged illness.

Examples of usage

The doctor was concerned about the emaciated appearance of the patient.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

Emaciation can result from various conditions, including malnutrition, chronic illnesses, or severe mental health issues.
It's often associated with serious health risks, such as weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infections.
Recognition of emaciation has been important in both medicine and psychology as a sign of significant underlying issues.

Literature

Emaciated characters are often used in literature to symbolize suffering or hardship, playing a role in storytelling to evoke compassion.
Classic texts frequently use the image of emaciation to represent both physical and emotional anguish.
The theme of transformation from emaciation to vitality serves as a powerful narrative arc in many stories.

Psychology

In cases of eating disorders, emaciation can signify a mental struggle, often accompanied by distorted body image perceptions.
Psychological stress can lead to conditions that manifest physically, such as refusing to eat, resulting in an emaciated state.
Therapeutic approaches often aim to address both the mental health and physical health aspects of those who are emaciated.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, being emaciated has been historically romanticized, linking it to artistic ideals of beauty in specific time periods.
Conversely, in many societies, emaciation is viewed negatively, often representing poverty and lack of access to resources.
Art and photography often depict emaciated figures to comment on social issues such as famine or poverty.

Origin of 'emaciated'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'emaciatus', which means 'made thin' or 'to waste away'.
It is derived from 'macies', meaning 'leaness' in Latin, emphasizing the appearance of being excessively thin.
The prefix 'e-' indicates removal, highlighting the idea of losing body mass.

The word 'emaciated' has Latin origins, derived from the Latin word 'emaciatus', which means 'made lean'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe extreme thinness or weakness, particularly due to illness or lack of food.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,720, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18717 infamy
18718 glimmer
18719 speck
18720 emaciated
18721 resourceful
18722 insurgent
18723 exhilarating
...